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At the end of a weekend of frivolity, urbanistas need to unwind over brunch—to fortify themselves for the shopping or museum-hopping ahead. Whether your version is caffeine-fueled or “hair of the dog,” these top brunch spots will fill you up, allow you to de-brief with friends, and help you gently transition back to your Monday world.
The Draw: Delectable, season-driven brunches from Chef Marc Meyer (of Five Points and Cookshop) and reasonable prices—all in a SoHo zip code. The Scene: Both rustic and chic, this warm-toned, welcoming space features communal tables and French doors that are flung open in warm weather. Mon–Fri noon–11pm, Sat 11am–3pm and 5:30–11pm, Sun 11am–3pm and 5:30–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: Don’t miss the New Orelans–style beignets as a brunch starter. For more intimacy, take a seat in the lovely back atrium.
Norma’s 118 W. 57th St., Upper West Side, 212-708-7460 normasnyc.com
The Draw: Brunch reaches its zenith at the upscale Norma’s in Le Parker Meridien Hotel. Settle into the soft leather banquettes and feast on delicious fare such as lobster fritatta and buttermilk pancakes layered in bacon. This is brunch like you’ve never experienced it before. The Scene: The linen-topped tables are laden with imported china, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice served in etched glassware. Coffee arrives in a steaming, elegant French press pot. The lively morning crowd ranges from stylish local couples to upmarket hotel guests fueling up before sightseeing. Mon–Fri 6:30am–3pm, Sat–Sun 7am–3pm. $$ Hot Tip: Norma’s swells at peak brunch hours, so if you want to greet the morning in a quieter fashion, come before 9am.
The Draw: A beguiling slice of country chic in the East Village, Prune warms the heart as much as it does the belly, drawing comfort-food–seeking Manhattanites in droves. The Scene: Wooden tables, tiled floors, and fresh flowers complete the snug scene—as do the local brunch fiends in jeans with Sunday papers tucked under their arms. The homegrown menu skews retro, with a twist. For brunch, feast on the traditional Monte Cristo, a battered and fried triple-decker of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese; or try the bacon and eggs atop a tangle of peppery spaghetti. Mon–Thu 11:30am–3pm and 6–11pm, Fri 11:30am–3pm and 6pm–midnight, Sat 10am–3:30pm and 6pm–midnight, Sun 10am–3:30pm and 5–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: Prune also heats up on weekend nights, when those in the know slide up to the tiny bar and sip classic cocktails, like Pimm’s Cup and Rose’s Gimlet, and no less than two dozen kinds of Bloody Marys.
